Kinkaku-ji

Place of worship • 1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

4.5(49717 reviews)

A Glimmering Beauty in Gold Leaf - The World Heritage, Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) -

The Golden Radiance of the Shari-den in the Muromachi Period

Representing Kyoto's world heritage temple, Kinkaku-ji, formally known as the Rokuon-ji, is famous for its golden pavilion, the Kinkaku, nestled in a beautiful garden. Built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the Muromachi period, the Kinkaku radiates a golden glow in harmony with the surrounding nature, enchanting all who visit.

The Changing Faces of the Mirror Pond with the Seasons

The Mirror Pond surrounding the Kinkaku-ji displays different expressions with each season. In spring, cherry blossoms reflect in the pond, while in summer, the lush greenery is reflected. In autumn, the maple leaves create a vibrant reflection, and in winter, the snow-covered Kinkaku creates a fantastical atmosphere. Even in the rain, the wet Kinkaku is captivating with its serene and mystical aura.

The Captivating Beauty of Borrowing Scenery and the Pond Garden

The garden of Kinkaku-ji utilizes the technique of borrowing scenery, designated as a special scenic spot, incorporating the natural beauty of Mt. Kinugasa. The design also includes a pond garden that allows visitors to enjoy the scenery of all seasons. The painting of flowers on a single board of Akita cedar in the Hojo garden is truly stunning.

An Internationally Acclaimed Tourist Destination

Kinkaku-ji attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world, even on weekdays, and is filled with vitality. The reception area is staffed with personnel who speak foreign languages to guide visitors, making it a beloved attraction for people from all over the world. There are several parking areas nearby, but congestion is expected during the tourist season.

Tourist attraction Place of worship Point of interest Establishment

Reviews

5(a week ago)

Anya K

Beautiful!! Definitely one of the few main stops if you’re only in Kyoto for a short time. Make sure to stop at the 600+ year old pine tree! Beware, however, there will be lots of school groups & tourists. The path is narrow so makes it feel like even more people. Suggest early morning or just before closing!

3(2 weeks ago)

brandon heat

Nice temple building, but was very quickly out. You pay 500 yen, but you don't go inside, I didn't notice any museum to go with the experience, and the garden is okay but I've seen plenty better. As with many, it is heaving with tourists and school kids equally, but the gate doesn't open until 9am, there is no early time you can come to enjoy it more peacefully. It's quite far out of the way too, if you are used to using trains then you'll soon have to start dabbling with a bus to get here. Don't let me outright put you off, but I personally didn't want to hang around long

5(2 weeks ago)

Ma Na

金閣寺 One absolutely gorgeous shrine you ever seen, it must to see in Kyoto!! Breathtaking beautiful.. It will be nice to take pictures without wind, so you can see reflection of castle on water …

4(3 weeks ago)

Kat J

This is an absolutely stunning shrine shining bright from afar. The gardens are lovely to walk around. Note you do have to be pretty mobile to get around as I saw an elderly gentleman need help carrying his wheelchair up some stairs. Tickets can be bought at the door. It is a bit out of the way, so I would not come to this part of Kyoto only to see this shrine

5(a week ago)

Reza Nickmanesh

This temple in Kyoto is simply stunning! It's coated in gold leaves, making it shine beautifully. The gardens around it are a delight to walk through. While it's a bit far from other attractions in Kyoto, it's definitely worth the visit.

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